§ 31. Mr. SHINWELLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the intention of the Government in respect of the continuance of the Port Edgar naval establishment at South Queensferry?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)It has been decided to close down the destroyer base at Port Edgar and the Royal Naval Hospital, South Queensferry, and the necessary orders to give effect to this decision are in course of issue.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this decision will displace quite a number of people, and cause considerable hardship to shopkeepers and business interests in the district?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am afraid that is an inevitable effect of a measure of this kind. I am very sorry, but the saving is a very large one. I understand that there will be only about 12 civilians displaced.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo, I do not know what steps I can take. It is a measure of economy.